The three-part pin decorated the front of a Muslim man's turban. Mimicking feathers, the gilt coiled wires, once topped with pearls, would have waved with movement. The ornament is decorated with red stones. Are the gem stones rubies, garnets or glass? All the red stones are rubies, except one triangular stone at the base of the pin above the two prongs. Probably a replacement, the triangular stone does not fluoresce and was determined to be glass based on its composition, hardness and inclusions. The rubies or spinels fluoresce bright pink under UV light. Visually their color is further heightened by silver foil coated with a bright pink pigment or dye that is positioned behind the stones. The foil with traces of pink is visible where a ruby has been lost.For the latest information about this object, ornaments, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
The three-part pin decorated the front of a Muslim man's turban. Mimicking feathers, the gilt coiled wires, once topped with pearls, would have waved with movement. The ornament is decorated with red stones. Are the gem stones rubies, garnets or glass? All the red stones are rubies, except one triangular stone at the base of the pin above the two prongs. Probably a replacement, the triangular stone does not fluoresce and was determined to be glass based on its composition, hardness and inclusions. The rubies or spinels fluoresce bright pink under UV light. Visually their color is further heightened by silver foil coated with a bright pink pigment or dye that is positioned behind the stones. The foil with traces of pink is visible where a ruby has been lost.For the latest information about this object, ornaments, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
The central motif of a cross suggests that this pair of leather shoes was made for a priest, although they could also have been worn by an upper-class man. Many poor people in this period went barefoot, including shoemakers, while those who could afford to wore sandals (government officials); slippers (monks and clergy); or boots (soldiers and laborers).For the latest information about this object, shoes (footwear), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
